What is LOBC?

Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control

A New Way to Talk about Incontinence

About LOBC

Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control (LOBC)—also known as incontinence—is the involuntary loss of bladder/bowel control. It is a problem that affects millions. We are all born incontinent and we will most likely experience some degree of incontinence as we grow. It’s not a disease, but it can be a symptom of other conditions, as well as a side effect of different medications, diet and nutrition habits or lifestyle changes.

Millions of people experience incontinence, and with the right products, treatment and information, they overcome the symptoms every day.

The first step toward managing incontinence is visiting your physician and learning about which type of LOBC you’re experiencing, and your options for treatment. Visit our education page to learn more.

Living with LOBC

Additional Resources

What Exactly Is LOBC?

Learn more about LOBC

The Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control (LOBC) or incontinence is a stigmatized, under-reported, under-diagnosed, and under-treated condition that is erroneously thought to be a part of the normal process of aging. In fact, one out of three men and women ages 30-70 experience urinary incontinence at some point and believe that it is a normal part of aging, and only one out of eight Americans experiencing urinary incontinence have been diagnosed. Two out three of those experiencing urinary incontinence do not use any treatment or product to manage incontinence. Women constitute 75-80% of all incontinence sufferers, 9-13 million of whom have had bothersome or severe symptoms. (1,2)

LOBC can be modified and managed with the right products, treatment, and lifestyle changes. Information on healthy bladder and bowel function can help promote the fact that incontinence is not an inevitable part of aging but a symptom of another problem.

We believe in transmitting the information to people so they can learn how to manage their incontinence. Without knowledge, the societal costs of LOBC can be debilitating with even mild symptoms affecting our daily social, sexual, interpersonal and professional functions.

What Causes LOBC?

Incontinence is not a disease or a natural part of aging. It is a symptom that can have many causes. The first step is to be able to understand these causes and work with your healthcare provider to determine the best way to treat and manage it. Some common causes of LOBC are: repetitive work-related activities, such as heavy lifting; smoking or lung disease; poor nutrition; certain food and beverages; constipation; obesity; previous urinary tract or renal problems; loss of pelvic muscle tone; menopause or hormonal changes; pregnancy, pelvic surgery or trauma (e.g. hysterectomy, childbirth); neuromuscular impairments or neurological disorders; stroke; cognitive impairment (such as Alzheimer’s); medication side effects, urinary tract infection; enlarged prostate; tumors; other systemic disorders that restrict mobility and bodily functions, etc.

How Common Is LOBC?

Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control is not uncommon. Keep in mind: it affects up to 25 million Americans each year. Only 1 out of 8 Americans experiencing it have been diagnosed, and 75-80% are women, while 9-13 million of whom have bothersome or severe symptoms and 22% of men over 65 experience LOBC. (1,2)